Bay State Roots, Hollywood Fame

Steven Van Zandt of "The Sopranos" and "The E Street Band" was born in Winthrop, Mass. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Topher Grace

Topher Grace of "That 70s Show" attended the Fay School in Southboro, Mass. He was discovered while attending Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. - by a producer whose daughter also attended the school. (Photo credit should read MAX NASH/AFP/Getty Images)

Actor Denis Leary was born and raised in Worcester. After his cousin and childhood friend were killed in the 1999 Worcester warehouse blaze, he launched the Leary Firefighters Foundation, raising money for firefighters in Worcester, Boston and New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore of CBS' Criminal Minds lived in Boston as a child. (Photo by Michael Caufield/Getty Images for PCA)

Lenoard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy, seen here as Mr. Spock in the television series "Star Trek," was born and raised in Boston. (Getty Images)

Debra Messing

Debra Messing of "Will and Grace" fame graduated from Brandeis University in Waltham. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Kate Bosworth

Actress Kate Bosworth moved to Cohasset when she was 14, and was living on the South Shore when she landed a role in "The Horse Whisperer." (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Geena Davis

Geena Davis was born and raised in Wareham, Mass. She went on to attend Boston University. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel enrolled in Tufts University in 2000, but left school after three semesters to focus on her career. (Photo by Steffen Kugler/Getty Images)

Matt LeBlanc

... And his co-star Matt LeBlanc was born in Newton. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry of "Friends" fame was born in Williamstown, Mass. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Conan O'Brien

Conan O'Brien was born and raised in Brookline and then attended Harvard University. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler grew up in Burlington and attended Boston College. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

John Cena

Wrestler John Cena of the WWE is from West Newbury. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Edward Norton

Actor Edward Norton was born in Boston. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Marcia Cross

Actress Marcia Cross may be a "Desperate Housewife" living on Wisteria Lane now, but she was born in Marlboro, Mass. (Photo by Adam Rose/ABC via Getty Images)

Henry Winkler

(credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Henry Winkler, or 'The Fonz', graduated from Emerson College.

Rachael Ray

Talk show host and 30 Minute Meal extraordinaire Rachael Ray lived on Cape Cod as a child, where her parents operated several restaurants. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman was born in Boston, grew up in Amherst, Mass. and attended Northfield Mount Hermon boarding school. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Bobby Brown

Boston native Bobby Brown saw huge success early in life as a member of "New Edition" and then in a solo career. His marriage and divorce from Whitney Houston has been the subject of tabloid fodder. Brown has landed in Massachusetts courtrooms several times in recent years, for failing to pay child support for two children he had with a Massachusetts woman. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Sam Waterston

Sam Waterston of "Law & Order" was born in Cambridge and attended the Brooks School in North Andover. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)

Ed MacMahon

Ed McMahon of late night and 'Star Search' fame grew up in Lowell and attended Boston College. His first broadcasting job was at WLLH-AM in Lowell. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Jeff Corwin

Jeff Corwin of Animal Planet grew up in Norwell and later attended both Bridgewater State College and UMass Amherst. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Ellen Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" was born in Everett, Mass. - the youngest of 6 children. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Traci Bingham

Traci Bingham from Baywatch was born in Cambridge. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/Handout)

Michael Chiklis

Michael Chiklis of "The Shield" was born in Lowell, grew up in Andover, and later attended Boston University. Michael Chiklis of "The Shield" was born in Lowell, grew up in Andover, and later attended Boston University.

Michael Chiklis performs during the Boston Pops 4th of July concert rehearsal at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston, Sunday, July 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Jennifer Coolidge

Comic actress Jennifer Coolidge may be best known as "Stifler's Mom" in the "American Pie" movie series. She was born in Boston, attended Norwell High School and Emerson College. (Photo By Getty Images)

Ginnifer Goodwin

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin appears as Margene on HBO's series 'Big Love'and was in the movie 'Walk the Line.' Goodwin graduated from Boston University and is said to be an avid Red Sox fan. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Jenny Slate became an overnight YouTube sensation, when the Milton native let the F-bomb slip during her Saturday Night Live debut in September of 2009. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/Getty Images)

Agnes Moorehead

Agne(s Moorehead (R), one of the stars of the 1960's television show "Bewitched" was from Clinton. (Photo credit: FILES/AFP/Getty Images)

Carroll Spinney

Carroll Spinney, who has spent more than 35 years playing Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on 'Sesame Street,' was born in Waltham and attended Acton-Boxboro Regional High School. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

Jeffrey Donovan

Jeffrey Donovan of USA network's series 'Burn Notice' was born in Amesbury. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Custo Barcelona)

Football commentator Howie Long was born in Somverville and attended Milford High School, before going on to be an NFL Hall of Famer. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Jason Alexander

Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld" fame attended Boston University, but left school before graduation. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for VH1)

Madeline Kahn

The late actress Madeline Kahn of 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Cosby' was born in Boston. (Photo credit: TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

John O'Hurley

Perhaps best know for his role as J.Peterman in "Seinfeld", O'Hurley lived in Natick for a time during childhood. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images)

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was a longtime member of David Wheeler's Theatre Company of Boston, performing on Boston stages in the 1970s. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Paget Brewster

Paget Brewster of CBS's 'Criminal Minds' was born in Concord. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Erik Per Sullivan

Actor Erik Per Sullivan, best known as little brother Dewey on 'Malcom in the Middle', was born in Worcester. His family owns a restaurant in Milford. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)

George Carlin

Comedian George Carlin worked at Boston radio station WEZE for three months in the late 1950s. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Kristian Alfonso

Soap star Kristian Alfonso of "Days of Our Lives" was born and raised in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks of the Spider-Man films, Seabiscuit, and 40 Year Old Virgin, is from Pittsfield. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Bill Macy

Actor Bill Macy (L) pictured with son William H. Macy (R). The elder Macy is from Revere. (Photo by George McGinn/Getty Images)

Roy Bolger

Ray Bolger was best known as the Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz.' The Tony Award winning dancer was born in Dorchester. (AP Photo/MGM)

Elizabeth Perkins

Elizabeth Perkins lived in Bernardston for a time as a child. She is best known for her role in the Showtime hit series 'Weeds' and her movie roles in 'The Flintstones' and 'Big.' (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Eliza Dushku has found success in movies and television. Perhaps best known for her roles on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and in the cheerleading movie "Bring It On, " Dushku was born in Watertown. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Jasmine Guy

Actress, singer, and dancer Jasmine Guy was born in Boston (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Jack Haley

Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz" was from Newton Highlands. (AP Photo/MGM)

Jane Alexander

Actress Jane Alexander was born and grew up in Boston. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

These days Callie Thorne stars alongside Denis Leary in "Rescue Me." Her roots are in Massachusetts - growing up in Lincoln and attending Wheaton College. Thorne also starred in shows like "Prison Break" and "Homicide." (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

Alex Rocco

Actor Alex Rocco of 'The Godfather' and 'The Wedding Planner' was born in Boston. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Newsmakers)

Steve and Nancy Carell

Husband and wife Steve and Nancy Carell both have roots here. Steve was born in Concord, Mass. Nancy was born in Cohasset. The two now spend their summers vacationing in Marshfield, where they own a general store. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Chris Evans

Actor Chris Evans, known for his roles in “Captain America” and "The Fantastic Four" movies, grew up in Framingham and Sudbury. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

James Spader

James Spader was born in Boston and attended school at the Pike School in Andover, Brooks School in North Andover, and Phillips Academy. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Joe McIntyre

Singer turned actor Joe McIntyre grew up in Needham and Jamaica Plain. He got his start as the youngest member of Boston boy band New Kids on the Block, then graduated to TV, Broadway and made an appearance as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Jean Louisa Kelly

Jean Louisa Kelly of "Yes, Dear" was born in Worcester and raised in Boylston. She also appeared in "Mr. Holland's Opus" and "Uncle Buck." (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Lenny Clarke

Comedian Lenny Clarke was born in Cambridge and is good friends with fellow Massachusetts native Denis Leary. He has a successful comic career and also a recurring role on Leary's series "Rescue Me." (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Max Casella

Max Casella, the baby-faced actor known for his roles on "The Sopranos" and "Doogie Howser, MD," was raised in the Boston area and attended Cambridge Rindge & Latin. (Photo by Henry S. Dziekan III/Getty Images)

Bridget Moynahan

Actress Bridget Moynahan was raised in Longmeadow, Mass. While she has appeared in several movies and television shows, she may be best known as Tom Brady's ex-girlfriend and mother of his first child. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Mike O'Malley

Mike O'Malley of Glee and CBS' "Yes, Dear" was born in Boston, but raised in New Hampshire. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Parker Stevenson

Remember Parker Stevenson from "The Hardy Boys"? He graduated from Brooks School in North Andover. (Photo Courtesy of USA Network/Getty Images)

Rachel Dratch

Comedian/Actress Rachel Dratch of Saturday Night Live was born and raised in Lexington. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Liza Snyder

Liza Snyder of "Yes, Dear" was born in Northampton. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Tony Shalhoub

Tony Shalhoub of "Monk" fame spent four seasons with the American Reperatory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Ben and Casey Affleck

Brothers Ben and Casey Affleck were raised in Cambridge and have both found success in Hollywood. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

B.J. Novak

B. J. Novak, also of "The Office" was born in Newton and went to high school with his co-star John Krasinski at Newton South. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters was born in Boston. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)

Elisabeth Hasselbeck

The world was first introduced to Elizabeth Hasselbeck when she was a Boston College student competing on "Survivor." She turned that experience into a successful career as co-host of "The View.” (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Scholastic)

John Krasinski of "The Office" and "Dreamgirls" was born and raised in Newton, graduating from Newton South. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Julia Child

Famed TV chef Julia Child got her start in Boston. (AP File Photo)

Lee Remick

The late actress Lee Remick was born in Quincy. (Photo by George De Sota/Getty Images)

Matt Damon

Matt Damon grew up just a couple blocks away from the Affleck brothers in Cambridge. He and Ben were childhood friends who rose to fame together with their film "Good Will Hunting." (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox of "Lost" and "Party of Five" fame attended Deerfield Academy for a year after high school. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling, also of "The Office" was born and raised in Cambridge and graduated from Buckingham, Browne & Nichols. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for TIME)

Nancy Travis

Actress Nancy Travis from 'Becker' and the cult hit 'So I Married an Ax Murderer', grew up in Framingham. (Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images)

Paul Michael Glaser from the "Starsky and Hutch" TV series was born in Cambridge, grew up in Brookline and Newton and attended BU. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Peter Gallagher

Actor Peter Gallagher graduated from Tufts in Medford, before going on to star in several movies and the television series "The O.C." (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson of 'The Office' and 'Juno' went to Tufts (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

Scott Wolf

Actor Scott Wolf, who played Matthew Fox's brother on "Party of Five," was born in Boston. He later starred in "Everwood" and the short-lived series "The Nine." (Photo by Moses Robinson/Getty Images for Usher's New Look Foundation)

Tom Everett Scott

Tom Everett Scott from the movie 'That Thing You Do" among other movies, is from East Bridgewater. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Tom Bergeron

TV host Tom Bergeron is an alum of WBZ-TV and Radio. He rose to local fame on Boston TV before making the successful move to the national scene. Most recently, he can be seen as host of "Dancing Wtih the Stars." (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Reality Rocks)

Jonathon Togo of "CSI: Miami" was born and raised in Rockland. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)

Julianne Nicholson

Julianne Nicholson of "Law & Order Criminal Intent" was born and raised in Medford. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

Karen Allen

Karen Allen of "Animal House" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" founded the Berkshire Mountain Yoga in 1995, and later started her own knitwear design studio in Great Barrington. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Kathryn Erbe

Kathryn Erbe or Law & Order Criminal Intent is from Newton. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

Louis C.K.

Comedian Louis C.K. of HBO's "Lucky Louie" was raised in Massachusetts and got his start in the Boston stand-up comedy scene. (Photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images)

mark-wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg rose to fame under the name "Marky Mark" - and posing for underwear ads. He later found success as an adult in TV and movies.California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Michael Weatherly

Michael Weatherly of "NCIS" attended Brooks School in North Andover and Boston University for a time. (Photo credit: CHRISTIAN ALMINANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Pop singer and actress JoJo was raised in Foxboro, Mass. Here full name is Joanna Noëlle Levesque. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell was born in Springfield, Mass. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Maria Menounos

Actress Maria Menounos was born in Medford. She was Miss Teen Massachusetts in 1996 and went to Emerson College. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace of CBS' "60 Minutes" was born in Brookline. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Olympia Dukakis

Academy Award winning actress Olympia Dukakis was born in Lowell and is a cousin of former governor Michael Dukakis. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images)

Peter Guber

Hollywood producer Peter Guber was born in Newton. He is CEO of Mandaly Entertainment Group and served as Executive Producer on such projects as "Rain Man" and the Batman movies. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Oscar-winning actor Chris Cooper, who has appeared in dozens of movies including "Adaptation," "The Bourne Identity" and "American Beauty," lives in Kingston, Mass. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

David Chokachi of "Baywatch" fame was born in Plymouth and attended Tabor Academy in Marion. He is shown here with actress Annabeth Gish. (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images for GQ)

David Morse

David Morse of "St. Elsewhere" and "The Green Mile" was born and raised in Hamilton, Mass. He began his career as a player for the Boston Repertory Theatre. (Photo credit: MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images)

Donna Summer

5-time Grammy winner Donna Summer was born in Boston, one of seven children. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Jo Dee Messina

Country singer Jo Dee Messina was born and raised in Holliston. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan, who starred in the sitcom "NewsRadio" in his early career, was raised in Revere, Mass. He found his niche in Hollywood as host of "Fear Factor" and "The Man Show." Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Spike TV . (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for MGM Resorts International)

Broadway and television actor Robert Morse was born in Newton. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Scott Grimes

Scott Grimes, who is known these days for his role on "E.R." was born in Lowell. Early in his career, Grimes had a guest role as Alyssa Milano's boyfriend on "Who's The Boss." (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)